Jacob Trouba is supposed to be a pillar of the Jets, now and well into the future. Some believe he will be a franchise cornerstone and the foundation piece of the draft and develop process. So why are there an ever-growing amount of concerns about his play as each pre-season game goes on?
It's not that he has become 'bad' rather he is playing differently and not in the same convention that thrilled Jets fans last year. Specifically he's not rushing with the puck up the ice, he's barely laid a hit and he seems tentative in his decision making.
Patrick Williams of NHL.com, who covers the Winnipeg Jets noticed this last night. However Patrick was just confirming a growing suspiscion one that started a week ago.
Finally seeing something from ole Trouba. If he isn't under strict orders my name isn't Jerry Springer. #NHLJets #Oilers
— Scott Campbell (@NHL_Campbell) September 25, 2014@Teddier the other thing was his passing on a chance to rock somebody. Only couple times, and most of it looked like he was "staying away".
— Scott Campbell (@NHL_Campbell) September 25, 2014Those tweet are from Scott Campbell a Winnipeg Jets 1.0 alumni and Avco Cup winner. Yeah, he knows a bit about hockey and players and more. Follow him- just do it.
Back, to young Jacob. What's changed?
There are two somewhat obvious possibilities as I see it. The first being as Scott said, he's under strict orders about what to do on the ice. He is being asked to change or adjust his game and he is responding to that request. It makes sense that with the focus on changing the neutral zone play for a faster transition the defense has to change too. However, the other focus is defensive system and if those changes are limiting the talent of a young player there is another issue entirely separate, we'll get to that in a bit.
The second explanation is simply that it's pre-season and the focus in on working the system not the individuals game. While that seems counter-intuitive it could be a probably explanation although not as likely as the one above. Simply put, Trouba is holding 'it' back, marking time and gathering strength so as to prevent injury or endangerment.
The concern when considering these possibilities is that one seems to be about a waiting game while other seems to be edging towards the round hole and square peg situation. By that I mean this: is Maurice's system about changing how the defense plays as individuals or is it about adjustments.
Change means different- the act or instance of making or becoming different.
If we follow the definition of change is the process to improve the defensive system about changing players, ie how they play? If so there could be some challenges and potential pitfalls. Trouba is not a stay at home defenseman, he may be one day as the body slows and ages but that's not him right now. He's not showing the same jump nor the mean, nasty side that had opposition forwards keeping their heads up when he was on the ice.
If he's been instructed to change his style to remove that type of play fans should expect a drop in production and the appearance of the sophomore jinx. Remember Trouba was looked at as a Calder candidate before his injury and had 29 points in 65 games last year.
Now if the system for the defense is to be changed and route to success is through adjustment that process seems much less risky.
Adjustment: a change that makes it possible for a person to do better or work better in a new situation.
That's what some players need to do with their play but not change the way they play, those unique traits that make them the player they are. Asking Trouba not rush and stop hitting is akin to asking Stuart to be the QB on power play. It makes little sense but yet we are seeing a different Trouba so far this pre-season.
Trouba, and the rest of the defense corps, need to adjust things, that's obvious by the numbers, stats and eye-test. However, changing the player to match the system may lead to much bigger problems and Jets fans should be concerned that happens. Logic would dictate that you bring players that mach the strategy and tactics the team sets out to employ or take their abilities and create a tactical plan to match.
Trouba may experience a sophomore slump and that's not uncommon but if it's to do with the team changing him then there are some bigger questions to be asked.
That's what we have to look for here now, is this an adjustment or a change? For Trouba or for all defense? If the goal of an improved defensive means changing players, especially ones like Trouba to fit what are the timelines and likelihood of success? How many players as round pegs are successfully modified to fit square holes?
There is one method teams use when changes need to be made- the acquire players who fit their tactical systems but that would require the GM doing something. We know what the likelihood of that is, so don't hold your breath.